The goals of this course are to develop the student’s critical thinking skills, global awareness, and ability to work as an integral part of a team in an increasingly complex global job market. The course provides a foundation in such skills as team building, collaboration, and elevated empathy using real-world scenarios from some of world’s most effective collaborative projects including the Earthrise-2068 Project.
Living on the International Space Station was a powerful, transformative experience—one that could hold the key to solving our problems here on Earth. On space walks and through windows, course instructor Ron Garan was struck by the stunning beauty of the Earth from space but sobered by knowing how much needed to be done to help this troubled planet. And yet on the International Space Station, Garan, a former fighter pilot, was working work side by side with Russians, who only a few years before were “the enemy.” If fifteen nations could collaborate on one of the most ambitious, technologically complicated undertakings in history, surely we can apply that kind of cooperation and innovation toward creating a better world.
In this course Garan will convey what it was like learning to work with a diverse group of people in an environment only a handful of human beings have ever known. But more importantly, the course will address how we can apply the orbital perspective here at home, embracing new partnerships and processes to promote peace and combat hunger, thirst, poverty, and environmental destruction. This course is a call to action for each of us to care for the most important space station of all: planet Earth.
The course will also involve participation in the Earthrise-2068 project. Working with people from around the world, students will help craft a vision of our future in the year 2068. Students will also help craft a crowdsource strategy for both the co-envisioned future of the world in 2068 and a roadmap to get there. Students will also participate in the crafting of a “call-to-action” to be delivered at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017.

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Flexible deadlines

Flexible deadlines

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Beginner Level

Beginner Level

Hours to complete

Approx. 19 hours to complete

Suggested: 3 hours/week...

Available languages

English

Subtitles: English

100% online

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Beginner Level

Hours to complete

Approx. 19 hours to complete

Suggested: 3 hours/week...

Available languages

English

Subtitles: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Hours to complete

1 hour to complete

The Orbital Perspective

In this first lesson the student will be introduced to the concept of the Orbital Perspective and given a glimpse to its implications for our global society....

The Orbital Perspective – Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles: Excerpts from Foreword, Preface and Introduction10m

UN Sustainable Development Agenda10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 1- No Poverty10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger10m

Week

2

Hours to complete

2 hours to complete

Looking Skyward - Part 1

In this lesson the student will be introduced to the history leading up to the International Space Station (ISS) partnership and to some of the technical and cultural challenges that faced the partners in the early days of the International Space Station Program...

The Orbital Perspective – Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles: Excerpts from Chapters One & Two10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good Health & Well Being10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education10m

Week

3

Hours to complete

2 hours to complete

Looking Skyward - Part II

How did we go from those early days of mistrust and suspicion to building and operating the International Space Station? What was the secret ingredient that enabled a coalition of fifteen nations to work together systematically, in a fully integrated manner, to construct and operate the most complex structure ever built in space? Is there something we can learn from how the members of the ISS program learned to overcome differences and cultural misunderstandings in order to accomplish remarkable things together? Can we use these same techniques to reach agreements on things such as alleviating poverty, mitigating climate change, or achieving peaceful solutions to long-term conflicts?”...

The Orbital Perspective – Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles: Excerpts from Chapter Three10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 - Gender Equality10m

UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation10m

Quiz1 practice exercise

1 - Looking Skyward32m

Week

4

Hours to complete

3 hours to complete

Looking Earthward - Part I

In this lesson the instructor will share a profound shift in perspective experienced during his first space mission and take a deep dive into the meaning of the orbital perspective. We will also explore examples how taking an orbital perspective can affect our global society....

Instructor

About University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is the state’s land-grant university and a member of the Association of American Universities—made up of just 62 universities in the country. As one of the world’s premier public research universities, the university conducts more than $625 million of research annually. Home to two allopathic medical schools in Tucson and Phoenix, the UA Tech Park, and a member of the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, the university creates an $8.3 billion economic impact for Arizona. U.S. News and World Report placed 14 University of Arizona graduate programs among the top 20 in the nation and it is one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. With its strategic academic and business plan, “Never Settle,” as its guide, the university is producing graduates who are global citizens, engaged leaders, and fulfilled individuals....

About University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in academic excellence, both on campus and online. Ranked in the top 10 of Public Universities, the University of Florida is the state’s oldest university and has a long established tradition of academic excellence. ...

About Drexel University

Drexel is a comprehensive global research university ranked among the top 100 in the nation. With approximately 26,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities.
Drexel has built its global reputation on core achievements that include:
1. Leadership in experiential learning through Drexel Co-op.
2. A history of academic technology firsts.
3. Recognition as a model of best practices in translational, use-inspired research.
Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel now engages with students and communities around the world via:
1. Three Philadelphia campuses and other regional sites.
2. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the nation’s oldest major natural science museum and research organization.
3. International research partnerships including China and Israel.
Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, and a major engine for economic development in the region. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics....

Frequently Asked Questions

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When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.

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What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.